Sierra Leoneans in Boston USA sympathize with the King Jimmy disaster victim families
“No amount of money and gifts would bring their lives. But we really appreciated the kind hearts our brothers and sisters in America have shown to us…” said Hawa Kallon, sister to the late Abu Kallon.
The late Abu Kallon was among the six people that lost their lives during the landslide which led to the collapse of the King Jimmy Peter’s Bridge.
It could be recalled that in the night of Edul-Fitr commonly called in Sierra Leone ‘Pray Day’, the news broke out about the collapse of one of the oldest colonial bridges in the country, the Peter’s Bridge. The collapse of the bridge resulted in the death of six young people and three survivors. The breakdown of the bridge attracted the attention of no less a person but His Excellency the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma who upon hearing the news led delegations to visit the scene.
“The loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience, and more so when the person’s death is unexpected ”, said Mrs. Glenis Salter who officially handed over the items to the families on behalf of her cousin Mrs. Claudia Temple and rest of other Sierra Leoneans living in Boston who gave their contributions.
“The rationale of this donation is to make a difference in the lives of both the victim’s families and survivors,” said Mrs. Claudia Temple. She added that the donation is a gesture filled with social solidarity and great generosity over the people who have received such a priceless gesture.
In a bid to give back and showcase their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families, Mrs. Claudia Temple, President & Founder of African Health Initiative Inc. organized a fund raising event in Boston, Massachusetts, USA to solicit financial support from Sierra Leoneans in the part of the globe to contribute whatever amount to support the victim’s families and the three survivors. Mrs. Temple has told this medium that a total amount of $1,100 equivalent to Le4.5million was raised. The donation was coordinated in Sierra Leone on behalf of Mrs. Claudia Temple and Sierra Leoneans in Boston by Freelance Journalist Sallieu Sesay of Mysierraleoneonloe.com.
Mrs. Claudia Temple
In handing over the items and cash to the beneficiaries on behalf of Mrs. Temple, and all those who made their contributions, Mrs. Glenis Salter, cousin to Mrs. Temple told the beneficiaries that “The loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience, and more so when the person’s death is unexpected.” Each of the victim’s families received a bag of rice, a gallon of cooking oil, and cash.The three survivors received cash amounting to $100 each.
Abdul T. Kamara a family representative of the late Alimamy Sesay said the items received will be used for the 40th day ceremony for his brother on 22nd of September. He expressed appreciation to all those who had a hand in the gesture he has received on behalf of his late brother.
The donation ceremony was chaired by Mr. Habib T. Kamara, Acting Director Foundation for Democratic Initiatives in Development. The donation took place on Friday 13th September, 2013 in Abass Bundu’s building at King Jimmy, Freetown.
Cross Section of family members
The entire families of each victim and the survivors appreciate the generosity and are grateful to everyone involved.
Mrs. Claudia Temple hopes that when such tragedy happens in our motherland that everyone will come together and help.
By Sallieu Sesay
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2013, https:. All rights reserved.
